Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 29

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 29

 

“Teacher.”

 

At the cheerful voice from behind her, Heidi turned her head.

 

“…!”

 

Heidi’s eyes widened greatly.

 

A woman with striking features was looking down at Heidi.

 

Her tall stature and long, slender limbs complemented her sharp, refreshing facial features well. Dressed in a deep violet gown, she was incredibly beautiful.

 

‘This person is….’

 

Gulp.

 

Heidi swallowed dryly.

 

The moment Heidi saw Anastasia, she felt an instinctive fear. Her spine tingled with unease.

 

Though she had seen Anastasia’s portraits many times, there was a definite difference between the painting and the real person. There were things like atmosphere and the look in her eyes that couldn’t be captured in a painting.

 

“….”

 

After briefly scanning Heidi with her eyes, Anastasia soon shifted her gaze to Deshion. She tilted her head slightly and smiled with her eyes.

 

“It’s been a while. Have you been well? You haven’t contacted me at all….”

 

“I’ve been well. Have you been safe during this time?”

 

Deshion’s voice was low and composed, but there was a subtle sense of distance within it.

 

Anastasia’s smile deepened by an inch.

 

“Of course. Thanks to you. I was grateful for your help before. For lending me the Rotem Estate.”

 

Her words were gentle, but the underlying meaning was sharp.

 

Deshion answered with an unwavering expression.

 

“I’m glad it was helpful. Did you achieve your purpose?”

 

“Of course. I went through great trouble to get a dress for my coming-of-age ceremony. Well… I can’t say I achieved everything though.”

 

Both their lips curved in arcs, but their eyes faced each other tensely like sword points aimed at one another.

 

‘I can’t even breathe.’

 

Then, Anastasia’s gaze slowly shifted to her.

 

In that instant, the fine hairs on the back of Heidi’s neck stood on end. The cold gaze seemed like it would freeze her solid.

 

However, Anastasia soon gracefully offered a greeting as if the sharp atmosphere from moments before had been nothing but an illusion.

 

“I think this is our first meeting. Right? Nice to meet you.”

 

Heidi grabbed her skirt with trembling hands and offered a greeting.

 

“It’s an honor to meet you.”

 

“Do you truly think so?”

 

Startled by Anastasia’s pointed response, Heidi’s eyes widened in confusion.

 

“…Pardon?”

 

Then Anastasia chuckled and lightly grabbed Heidi’s arm.

 

“Why are you so surprised? You’re making me feel embarrassed.”

 

She smiled brightly and applied slight pressure to the hand holding her arm as she spoke.

 

“I’d like to talk more, but it’s time for Father to make his entrance. Let’s definitely talk again later. It’s a promise. Understood?”

 

Soon Anastasia left with unhesitant steps.

 

“Breathe, Heidi.”

 

At the low voice that flowed from beside her, Heidi startled. Only then did she realize she had stopped breathing.

 

Deshion whispered quietly.

 

“She won’t approach you any further today, so you don’t need to be too anxious. Right now she has no information about you. For the time being, she’ll quietly gather information.”

 

“…That’s a relief. I was so nervous just now. Does it show?”

 

“A little.”

 

…Shouldn’t that be a problem?

 

Seeing Heidi’s expression turn serious, Deshion let out a small laugh.

 

“It’s probably a difference only I would notice. Relax your expression.”

 

Then a majestic trumpet sound rang out.

 

“His Majesty is entering! Everyone please stop talking and show proper respect.”

 

Everyone looked up at the stairs in unison. Heidi also raised her chin to follow people’s gazes.

 

After a moment, a man wearing a large golden crown slowly walked in.

 

His hair was golden blonde as if it held sunlight, but here and there it was mixed with grayish-white streaks.

 

Though traces of time were slightly evident, his features remained orderly and upright without any disorder.

 

His prominent nose bridge, firmly pressed lips in a straight line, and solid-looking forehead and jaw made those who saw him feel his dignity.

 

However, at the same time, The King looked like an extremely sensitive man.

 

The light in his eyes was deeply sunken, and the shadows left by fine wrinkles were closer to melancholy than composure.

 

Despite wearing the crown that symbolized authority, loneliness emanated from his face.

 

Heidi’s lips parted slightly.

 

‘Then that person is my….’

 

Even in her thoughts, the word father absolutely wouldn’t come out.

 

‘Do I resemble him?’

 

Ever since learning she was an adopted child, Heidi had often imagined this moment. The moment of meeting her birth parents.

 

What would it feel like? Like the saying about blood calling to blood, would she recognize him at first sight?

 

Contrary to her imagination, her emotions didn’t surge violently. It was surprisingly calm. Even though she was finally facing the person she had been so curious about, she felt no sense of reality.

 

‘If he had been a poor tenant farmer, I think I would have easily accepted it, thinking “I see.”‘

 

Heidi stared blankly at the man who was surveying those gathered with a stern expression.

 

“For the newly arrived year, may blessings rest upon our kingdom. May peace settle upon your houses, and may God’s justice stand firm in this land.”

 

A low but clear voice echoed through the ballroom.

 

“On this blessed night, everyone eat and drink merrily.”

 

The nobles gathered responded respectfully to his brief opening remarks. Heidi gracefully curtsied and straightened as she had practiced beforehand.

 

After The King’s speech ended, music began to flow again. People’s laughter and conversations revived, but Heidi still sat with tension in her shoulders.

 

Then, a low voice from beside her tickled her ear.

 

“Would you like something to drink?”

 

As Deshion’s breath brushed her ear, Heidi momentarily relaxed and nodded.

 

“Then please wait on that balcony for a moment. I’ll bring something right away.”

 

Deshion walked away with quick steps, and Heidi carefully left the ballroom and headed to the balcony.

 

As the cold but refreshing night air brushed her skin, the inside of her chest felt somewhat lighter.

 

“Ah.”

 

As she took a deep breath and leaned against the railing.

 

Rustle.

 

At the faint presence, Heidi turned her head. There stood an unfamiliar man.

 

“…!”

 

He was a man with delicate features as if an angel had walked out of a sacred painting.

 

His silver hair shone white as if it held moonlight, flowing softly over his forehead and making his deep blue eye color stand out even more. Long, thick eyelashes cast shadows over those eyes, creating a mysterious atmosphere.

 

As Heidi looked at him with surprised eyes, the silver-haired man bowed his head slightly.

 

“I apologize. I didn’t know someone was here. The curtain was half open.”

 

Heidi hurriedly waved her hands.

 

“It’s fine. I forgot about it.”

 

However, the man didn’t immediately leave the balcony. His deep, clear blue eyes gazed at Heidi for a long while.

 

“…?”

 

Why does he keep staring?

 

As if he could clearly see Heidi’s thoughts, the man smiled and answered.

 

“You seem to be someone I’m meeting for the first time.”

 

He bowed lightly with an elegant attitude.

 

“Laurence Evan Pretium. I greet you.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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